Ten Questions to

Ask Your Real Estate Agent

1. Are you a Realtor?

The term Realtor® can only be used by members in good standing of the National Association of Realtors, who have completed specialized training and agreed to follow the NAR professional practice standards and code of ethics.

2. What other licenses or certifications do you hold?

While you are interviewing if they are with the NAR and have state licensing, you should look for additional licenses or certifications in specialized areas.

There are many specialized areas of training and certification, including such niches as military relocation, working with senior citizens, green features, international transactions, and second homes.

3. How do you handle dual agency?

Normally, one agent represents the buyer and one represents the seller.

If the listing agent represents the buyer as well (what is called "dual agency") there is a potential for conflict of interest.

The agent's answer will give you a sense of the agent's ethics.

4. How many properties have you helped people buy or sell in this neighborhood?

Every neighborhood is slightly different, and an in-depth knowledge of the specific neighborhood is crucial.

Every block and every building has its own character and issues. Make sure the agent has worked with properties in your general price range and is familiar with them.

5. Do you have someone who backs you up in case of emergencies?

Accidents, crises, and emergencies happen.

If your agent gets sick or has a family emergency at a time-sensitive point in negotiations, is there a backup person ready to step in?

6. How can I contact you?

You want to be able to contact your agent easily, and to ensure you have an agent that communicates well with you.

Is your agent comfortable with email? Text messaging? Telephone?

No one communication method is necessarily better than others, but you want an agent who can work with your preferred communication style and technology.

7. How do you use social media?

Increasingly, agents helping sellers or buyers need an active presence on social media to keep up to date on the market, locate prospective buyers or properties, and maintain a network of fellow professionals.

8. Do you know any good local contractors?

Very few properties are absolutely perfect.

Sellers may need to fix issues such as leaky faucets, scuffed floors, or electrical issues to clear inspection contingencies or buyers may want to remodel.

A good agent can help you find reliable contractors on short notice.

9. Can you give me names and contact information of a few of your recent clients?

A good agent should be able to name a few clients who would be will to talk with you for a few minutes about their experiences.

10. Do you work part- or full- time as a real estate professional?

Though many skilled agents try to balance work and family life, a full-time professional with several active listings is more likely to be up-to-date, knowledgeable, and efficient than someone who only handles a few properties a month.

We are real estate agents specializing in High Rise Condos. We help literally hundreds of high rise & loft condominium buyers, sellers, renters and landlords.

You can reach us at (480) 510-8755 or visit our website at www.weknowurban.com

Will Daly, BrokerWe Know Urban Realty, LLC834 E Claremont Street, No 3Phoenix, AZ 85014(480) 510-8755Email: Will@WeKnowUrban.com